The Home Office has issued a warning to shoppers expecting parcels this Black Friday, as delivery fraud reaches record levels. Scammers are impersonating delivery companies like Evri to trick people awaiting orders, with nearly 10,000 cases reported to Evri during last year's Black Friday period.
Phishing messages via text or email claim a parcel cannot be delivered or requires urgent action, directing victims to counterfeit websites that mimic official delivery sites. There, victims are asked to enter sensitive details or make a payment, risking identity theft and financial loss.
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: 'A message that looks routine could be a scam aimed at taking your hard-earned money. Always remember: Stop! Think Fraud before acting on any delivery message or special offer.' He noted the government has blocked over one billion scam texts through mobile network collaboration.
Lee Howard, Evri's Head of Information Security, said criminals use a 'spray and pray' method, exploiting the surge in parcel volumes. He stressed that Evri never charges a redelivery fee and will attempt delivery three times before returning an item.
Last year, online shopping fraud cost UK consumers £11.8 million during the festive period, according to City of London Police. The government's expanded Fraud Strategy aims to increase public awareness and protect shoppers through education and industry collaboration.
